George Chernyshov

Eye movement interactions in google cardboard using a low cost EOG setup

In this paper, we present a low cost way to track users eye movements in a Google Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset. We use the Electrooculography (EOG) module from commercial disassembled smart glasses to augment a cardboard. We present a first signal level evaluation and concepts about VR interaction techniques using relative eye movements.

Facial Thermography for Attention Tracking on Smart Eyewear: An Initial Study

We are describing the first step towards the development of an unobtrusive open eyewear system for attention tracking in daily life situations. We are logging thermographic data from infrared imaging and electrooculographic readings from off-the-shelf smart glasses and measure cognitive engagement of people in different situations. We are identifying new potential areas on the face for contactless IR temperature sensing. Attached to smart glasses and in combination with the EOG potentials we can monitor the wearers facial temperature changes, eye movement and eye blink in everyday situations, which is a major step towards becoming able to measure attention in unconstrained settings, and thus make it manageable.

Wearable aura: an interactive projection on personal space to enhance communication

This study focuses on how technology can encourage and ease awkwardness-free communications between people in real-world scenarios. We propose a device, The Wearable Aura, able to project a personalized animation onto ones Personal Distance zone. This projection, as an extension of one-self is reactive to users cognitive status, aware of its environment, context and users activity. Our user study supports the idea that an interactive projection around an individual can indeed benefit the communications with other individuals.

Shape memory alloy wire actuators for soft, wearable haptic devices

This paper presents a new approach to implement wearable haptic devices using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires. The proposed concept allows building silent, soft, flexible and lightweight wearable devices, capable of producing the sense of pressure on the skin without any bulky mechanical actuators. We explore possible design considerations and applications for such devices, present user studies proving the feasibility of delivering meaningful information and use nonlinear autoregressive neural networks to compensate for SMA inherent drawbacks, such as delayed onset, enabling us to characterize and predict the physical behavior of the device.

Muscle-Wire Glove: Pressure-Based Haptic Interface

This work follows a novel approach to information presentation through haptics using muscle-wire. The muscle-wire is extremely lightweight, silent and does not require complex circuitry. Its property to shrink in length when an electric current is applied, can have many interesting applications, some of which we present as a proof of concept of our vision. In this paper, we describe our initial prototype and a first series of user tests that demonstrates the possibility of representing discrete and continuous informations.

Facial temperature sensing on smart eyewear for affective computing

We present a system for tracking positive cognitive and emotional states for affective computing, which uses contactless temperature sensors on eye glasses to monitor changes in facial temperature. First user tests show promising results for identifying different likability of video content reflected in changes of facial temperature. In contrast to the related works that focuses on detecting negative states, our approach aims at identifying positive affects. In combination with additional physiological sensor readings our proposed system allows the maintenance and retention of highly enjoyable and productive states.

Towards interactive mindfulness training using breathing based feedback

Although regular meditation practice is linked to numerous mental health and cognitive benefits, it is often difficult for beginners to maintain focus during practice and persevere with the activity over time. To tackle this issue, we externalised the ability of self reporting loss of focus by developing a feedback loop that helps the user track and maintain their concentration levels in a non-invasive manner. We hypothesise that the change in breathing pattern can indicate a loss of concentration and the act of audibly amplifying a persons breathing sounds during meditation can help them regain and maintain focus on their breathing, leading to a more effective meditation session. We present experimental designs and findings towards this end.